106th and 107th Detroit Kennel Club Dog Shows March 5-6, 2011 at Cobo Center

DETROIT, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Kennel Club Dog Shows return to Cobo Center to entertain and educate dog lovers from all over the Midwest. The two-day Celebration of Dogs, proudly presented by Purina, allows visitors up-close and personal time with breeders, owners, handlers and over 2,000 dogs from the 167 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

New this year, the Detroit Kennel Club will honor some well deserving canine talent with the DKC Merit Award. The award will pay tribute to dogs that have gone above and beyond in their everyday service. Nominations are currently being sought for the award.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children (under 12) and senior citizens (60 and over). Children under the age of two are free. Family packs (2 adults, 3 children) are also on sale for $40. Watch for the $5 off coupon, good for the family pack ticket, the week prior to the show. Tickets will be sold separately for each show and are good only for that day's show. Dogs will be on display to the public and demonstrations will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Best in Show will go into the ring at approximately 6:00 PM each day.

"We are very excited to present this year's show," said Detroit Kennel Club President Erik Bergishagen. "These shows are so much more than competitions; they are a tribute to the relationship between master and dog and the role that dogs play in everyday life. Many of our visitors are families that may not be ready for a dog but come to do their homework and to be entertained."

The DKC shows are 'benched shows', which offer visitors the unique opportunity to meet with owners and breeders and learn about breed characteristics, temperament, care, health, grooming, history and other issues for dog owners. When dogs are not in the judging rings, they are required by the rules of the show to be displayed on a bench according to breed, making it easy for spectators to talk to several breeders of a specific dog in the same location. The DKC Dog Shows are one of only five benched American Kennel Club (AKC) shows left in the United States (Chicago, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco).

"So few people have access to a benched show and we have one right here in Michigan," added Bergishagen. "We encourage people to come to the shows to meet breeders dedicated to proper breeding practices and wait for the right dog instead of making an impulsive purchase of a puppy at a pet store or online. Many reputable breeders are cutting back on litters because they will only breed if they believe they can find good homes for their puppies. The shows offer an excellent opportunity for breeders and consumers to connect."

Special Events Make the DKC Dog Shows One-of-a-Kind

The 106th/107th DKC Dog Shows are packed full of fun for the entire family. No other show in the Midwest brings as many canine special events, vendors and demonstrations under one roof. Demonstrations include a rare breed exhibit, AKC Rally and Obedience Trials, terrier racing, pet therapy, herding, retriever and field training, breed seminars and Gazehound demonstrations.

www.detroitkennelclub.com

SOURCE Detroit Kennel Club